Histology Facility

Overview

Histology

Histology is the microscopic study of tissues and cells, with its techniques providing evidence and visual images of biological and physical science.

The SBMS Histology Facility provides training and access to specialised microscopy systems for tissue preparation, slide production, and histo-chemical staining to scientists and students within UQ and throughout Australia.

The Histology Facility is managed and operated by Dr Darryl Whitehead who is available for consultation and advice on histology and microscopy related issues.

You can expect to produce high-quality microscopic sections of frozen, paraffin and resin embedded material using the equipment in the Histology Facility.

Techniques and services

The Histology Facility offers hands on training, assistance and/or full service work contracts with tissue preparation slide and image production using modern specialised equipment within the school’s facilities. Optimal collaboration with research scientist requires that histologists recognise the assorted challenges and true value of the physical evidence produced in the research field.

General histology

General histology involving sample preparations, wax embedding and cutting of wax samples is a valuable resource in providing an excellent quality product for publications and research, allowing for detailed surveys and comparisons with a history of structural studies.

Frozen cryostat sampling

Rapid sampling of biological tissues at low temperatures in order to decrease the processing and turnaround time of histological specimens.

Histochemical and Immuno histochemistry

Microscopic technique of staining used to enhance and identify biological structures within tissue samples.

Staining techniques

Equipment

Resources

Fees

Please refer to our Services Price List (PDF, 84 KB) and discuss your needs with us prior to submitting histological samples for processing. Additional information can be provided on a Contract Work Request (XLSX, 13.6 KB), please submit a detailed contract work request prior to meeting if possible; this will help us to plan and assess your project properly.

Booking information

You will be able to make bookings online when you have completed the Histology Facility Induction. Book online at least 12 hours prior to using the facility. If the booking is approved, you will receive an email confirming the approval, or if it must be declined, you will receive an email informing you of the reason and suggesting another time. Please follow these instructions for using the booking system.

Usage requirements and conditions

Use of the Histology Facility by any users is subject to:

We aim to provide research support and assistance in the development of projects by offering technical information and advice on animal ethics and Human Research Ethics Applications where needed.

Staff

Dr Darryl Whitehead - Research Manager

Research Manager of the Histology Facility in the School of Biomedical Sciences. Interests include the sensory biology of sharks rays, and fishes with a primary focus on electroreception and the histology of ampullary organs. He has 27 years of extensive experience in studying the histology of animal sensory organs with specific interest in ampullary organs and electrical signals within aquatic environments. He possesses a vast knowledge in histology techniques and is responsible for the day to day running of the Histology Facility and its instrumentation. He interviews and inducts all new clients, helping to work out how the best use of the facilities’ equipment. Darryl works on the design of new biological sample processing procedures, and also collaborates on projects in microbiology, cell biology, zoology and botany.

FAQs

How do I gain swipe card access to the Histology Facility?

Entry to the Histology facility is organised by staff following completion of both the SBMS building induction and a local facility induction, completion of mandatory online HWS training, and reviewing of Risk Assessments for the facility. These can be found by searching the title area in the Risk Assessment database for ’SBMS Histology’.

For SBMS building inductions please contact:

Robyn Oram: r.oram@uq.edu.au

For the facility inductions please contact biomedhistology@uq.edu.au.

Can I bring other people into the Histology facility?

Visitors need to check in with facility staff and undergo a short local induction before entering the facility to observe others working. Visitors must be supervised at all times.

How do I get trained on equipment in the facility?

After you have made an account on PPMS, you can then request trainings from the ‘Request’ tab. One training request should be submitted per piece of equipment. Trainings are run at specific times requested and agreed to by SBMS Histology Staff.

How do I book equipment in the Histology facility?

Following the Histology Facility induction all equipment is bookable.

Who do I contact in the event of equipment failures in the Histology Facility?

Please contact the Facility staff or the Facility Manager as soon as possible. For hazardous situations or emergencies, contact staff or HWS.

Dr Darryl Whitehead: 0400113492

Facility staff: biomedhistology@uq.edu.au